Here are five tips to make sure the experience is a great lasting memory:
1. Prepare
Preparing for your fishing trip can be just as fun as the trip itself! Preparing for fishing together as a family can build excitement. If it is your child’s first time fishing, take them out to get a fishing rod or new gear! Getting your first fishing rod is a milestone experience. Packing all the fishing essentials, and even preparing a snack or lunch together, can add to the bonding experience of fishing as well.
Another way to prepare for the trip, is to get live bait the night before or the morning of the trip. Using live bait is a great way to help snag a fish and to entertain children. What kid doesn’t like reaching their hand in a cup of dirt to grab a slimy creepy crawler?!
2. Location
Picking a location to fish when bringing the family is important. Fishing in an area with multiple uses, such as near a park or swimming beach could add to the fun. Something else to consider is going somewhere with bathrooms or other amenities. A bush or tree isn’t for everyone. Picking somewhere close to home is often a good idea with young children or beginners.
If your children already love fishing, maybe plan a fishing trip out of state or even a weekend fishing getaway! Always make sure to research your fishing location and plan accordingly. Picking the perfect fishing location can make or break your trip. Research go-to spots from local blogs and ask locals when you get to the area. The local bait and tackle shop is a great place to get the best recommendations.
3. Activities
Adding activities to your fishing trip can be a bonding experience for a family and can make sure everyone is entertained. Not everyone is built for hours of casting.
Pack lunches for a picnic and make sure it’s food that will last for a few hours in a cooler if it needs to stay cold.
Bring a portable speaker to play music. Make it into a trivia game. How many of mom and/or dad’s “old songs” do the kids know?
Making fishing into a competition can add to the fun. Whoever gets the most fish, the biggest fish, or the coolest looking fish wins.
Knot-tying activities can also be made into an activity. Everyone can learn a life skill and you can use it while on the trip.
Countless small activities can be added to a family fishing trip to add excitement and create a learning experience.
4. Encouragement
Giving your kids encouragement and having a judgment-free zone will make fishing more fun. Fishing can be frustrating for a younger child or beginner if the fish aren’t biting. But it should be a positive and relaxing adventure.
Use fishing as an opportunity to educate. Give your children tips and simple step-by-step instructions. Allow, or even encourage your kids to ask questions. Model positive fishing ethics and educate your family on how to practice proper fishing etiquette. If your kids have not fished many times, take a step back from fishing yourself and let them have your attention.
Fishing helps build self-esteem in children. Each new skill your child learns from fishing will help them with problem-solving and other real-world problems in the future.
5. Have fun!
Lastly, let loose and have family fun! Let go of any family hardships and create a positive experience. Use this time for family bonding. Enjoy fishing with your kids, as it creates memories that last a lifetime.